Theory of Knowledge New Teacher Workshop

Designed for teachers new to Theory of Knowledge, this two-day training co-taught by Brad Cartwright and Sofía Elizalde offers a clear, practical roadmap for teaching TOK with confidence. Together, we will explore the core components of the IB Diploma Programme, the purpose and structure of the TOK course, key assessment criteria, the TOK Exhibition, the TOK Essay, and classroom strategies that support thoughtful discussion, meaningful reflection, and strong student writing.

    1. Understand the TOK Course from Day One – Get clear on what Theory of Knowledge is, why it matters, and how it fits within the IB Diploma Programme.

    2. Plan for the Exhibition and Essay – Learn how to structure the course using real examples and clear assessment expectations.

    3. Learn How to Guide Students – Practice practical strategies for leading discussion, reflection, and TOK writing with confidence.

    4. Start the Year with Resources – Leave with sample Exhibitions, sample Essays, and ready-to-use classroom tools.

    1. Session 1 - Understanding the IB Diploma Programme and the IB Core

    2. Session 2 - Effectively Teaching the Theory of Knowledge Exhibition

    3. Session 3 - Effectively Teaching the Theory of Knowledge Essay

    4. Session 4 - Heading Into the Semester with Calm - Prepping and Pacing out the First Semester

    1. By the end of this workshop, you’ll have the clarity, tools, and confidence to teach Theory of Knowledge with purpose, guide students through the TOK Exhibition and TOK Essay, including a pool of teacher resources to use directly in your classroom.

    1. Any Teacher New to Teaching Theory of Knowledge

    2. IB Coordinators

    3. IB Core Coordinators

    1. Sofia Elizalde has over a decade of experience as an IB educator, IB examiner, IB Theatre teacher, and Theory of Knowledge teacher. She currently teaches Theory of Knowledge and IB Theatre in Sofia, Bulgaria.

    2. Brad Cartwright is an award-winning educator and international workshop leader with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in IB Economics, the IB Core, and the Extended Essay, helping teachers and schools bring clarity to complex IB expectations.

    1. In addition to the 8 hours of live instruction, you will also receive these additional bonuses with your enrollment...

    2. A Community of Theory of Knowledge Teachers - $550 value - Access to a private community of TOK teachers to share resources, ideas, stresses, successes via WhatsApp that will extend beyond the training.

    3. Two Follow-Up Zoom Check-Ins - $300 Value - October and February - Ongoing support with two live Zoom sessions to answer questions, troubleshoot challenges, review student work, discuss the TOK Exhibition, to help you feel confident in your first year.

    4. New Teacher Resource Pack - $295 Value - Lifetime access to a complete set of practical planning tools, sample student work, and ready-to-use classroom resources designed to help new Theory of Knowledge teachers start the year with clarity and confidence.

July 23rd and 24th, 2026

  • 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST (EST)
  • Via Zoom
  • US$ 385

Theory of Knowledge New Teacher Workshop

July 23rd and 24th, 2026

$385
Total Value of the Workshop - $1530 -

Enroll Now

"If you are stepping into Theory of Knowledge for the first time, this two-day workshop is your chance to start strong. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how the TOK course fits within the IB Diploma Programme, how the Exhibition and Essay are assessed, and how to design lessons that spark discussion, deepen reflection, and strengthen student writing. You’ll leave with a practical plan, concrete strategies, and the confidence to walk into your TOK classroom ready to teach with purpose."

Your opportunity to build a strong foundation, develop effective teaching strategies, and gain the structure needed to teach Theory of Knowledge with clarity and confidence.

  • Lifetime Access to Resources
  • A Clear Roadmap for Success
  • Practical Writing Strategies
  • Pacing & Planning Simplified
  • A Community of TOK Teachers

Workshop Leaders...

Sofía Elizalde

Sofía Elizalde is an experienced IB educator, IB examiner, and artist with over a decade of experience teaching IB Theatre and Theory of Knowledge. She currently teaches both subjects in Bulgaria and works with IB teachers and students across a range of school contexts.

Born and raised in Santiago, Chile, Sofía trained as an actor, teacher, and theatre-maker. She studied theatre in Chile and was later awarded a scholarship to study Shakespeare and Elizabethan theatre in University of Oxford. She earned her Master’s in Acting in New York City and went on to teach IB Theatre and Dance at Nido de Águilas, where she was herself an IB student.

Sofía has taught a wide range of IB Theatre and Theory of Knowledge courses, mentors teachers and students, and serves as an IB Theatre examiner in both English and Spanish.

Brad Cartwright

Brad Cartwright is an award-winning educator and international workshop leader with over 25 years of experience supporting IB schools around the world. He specializes in IB Economics, the IB Core, and the Extended Essay, and is known for helping teachers and school leaders bring clarity to complex IB expectations through practical, thoughtful approaches.

Brad studied at Duke University, where he was a competitive soccer athlete and double-majored in History and Public Policy. Travel throughout Europe and Asia sparked a lasting curiosity about cultures, people, and stories, shaping his path in education.

That path deepened through service as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer. Brad currently lives in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Extended Essay Coordinator

"Brad is super friendly, approachable, and always open to follow-up—working with him is fantastic, and I’d do it again."


IB Coordinator

"Brad is an excellent communicator who really knows what he’s talking about—this training was absolutely worthwhile. I’m already planning our next in-service with him."

IB Economics Teacher

"Brad was flexible, approachable, and willing to tailor a session to our specific professional development needs."

IB Music Teacher

"Brad Cartwright’s presentation came as a great piece of music to my hungry-for-clarification ears."

IB Economics Teacher

"The bottom line is that Brad cares, and he’s willing to generously share his learned experiences."

"The best IB Training I've ever attended"

Julie | United States

Effectively Supervising Any Extended Essay Teacher Workshop

David | Japan

Effectively Supervising the World Studies Extended Essay Workshop

The World Studies Extended Essay workshop is an excellent resource for teachers new to the Extended Essay process who are considering the World Studies topic as a potential focus. Both hosts are highly knowledgeable about the Extended Essay process and have a deep understanding of effective approaches that work.

Jamie | United States

Effectively Supervising Any Extended Essay Teacher Workshop

This workshop was exceptional. It was extremely helpful and focused on exactly what the IB is looking for, addressing areas where we as IB educators are often left guessing. I highly recommend it to anyone supervising the Extended Essay.

Leslie | United States

Effectively Supervising Any Extended Essay Teacher Workshop

I’m so glad I chose to spend part of my Saturday attending this thorough and helpful professional development session on supervising the Extended Essay process! Having been an Extended Essay Coordinator for 11 years, it’s easy to become too attached to our established ways of managing this process. I’m excited to incorporate many (if not all!) of the strategies I learned to reboot our process for our next cohort, which begins in just a few short months!

Shannon | United States

The Cohort Model for the Extended Essay Workshop

I have attended many IB training sessions for both the MYP and Diploma Programme, but this is the first one that left me feeling re-invigorated and excited about making changes to our program. The training was practical, applicable, and highly relevant. I’m now looking forward to a customized training experience!.

Rachel | Tanzania

The Cohort Model for the Extended Essay Workshop

As a newly appointed Extended Essay Coordinator, I found both The Cohort Model and Effectively Supervising Any Extended Essay workshops incredibly useful in helping me implement the entire Extended Essay process. While I will need to go through a full Extended Essay cycle to evaluate its success, I am already very confident, based on the conversations I’ve had with my IB Coordinator, that it will bring tremendous benefits to our school. Thank you to Brad and Kurt for sharing their experience and advice!

Kelly | South Africa

The Cohort Model for the Extended Essay Workshop

This workshop was very well-organized and offered a perspective I hadn’t considered before. The best part was that it was only three hours—succinct and focused on how to tweak your current approach to better support students and teachers with this task. Thank you for the great ideas!

Jonathan | United States

The Cohort Model for the Extended Essay Workshop

This workshop was not only highly informative and provided clear direction for anyone involved in the Extended Essay, but it was also delivered with great energy. It truly honored and respected everyone who attended.

Melissa | South Africa

Strategically Managing the IB Core

This was a great introduction to the IB Core. The ideas and opinions shared about The Exhibition and Theory of Knowledge Essay were incredibly helpful and presented a more holistic approach to the Core, Theory of Knowledge, and the critical thinking we are asking our students to develop. Thank you for an insightful workshop experience!

Tamisha | Bermuda

The Cohort Model for the Extended Essay Workshop

This was undeniably one of the most informative, well-organized, and applicable IB training sessions I have ever attended. It also included many useful resources that are accessible even after the workshop! The cumulative Q&A session was a fantastic bonus. Thank you, Brad and Kurt, for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience!

Alex | United States

The Cohort Model for the Extended Essay Workshop

This is the best Extended Essay workshop to attend. It provided me with the vision and tools needed to create a more effective Extended Essay program at my school.

Read More Testimonials

Theory of Knowledge New Teacher Workshop

July 23rd and 24th, 2026

$385
Total Value of the Workshop - $1530 -

Enroll Now

"If you are stepping into Theory of Knowledge for the first time, this two-day workshop is your chance to start strong. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how the TOK course fits within the IB Diploma Programme, how the Exhibition and Essay are assessed, and how to design lessons that spark discussion, deepen reflection, and strengthen student writing. You’ll leave with a practical plan, concrete strategies, and the confidence to walk into your TOK classroom ready to teach with purpose."

Your opportunity to build a strong foundation, develop effective teaching strategies, and gain the structure needed to teach Theory of Knowledge with clarity and confidence.

  • Lifetime Access to Resources
  • A Clear Roadmap for Success
  • Practical Writing Strategies
  • Pacing & Planning Simplified
  • A Community of TOK Teachers